Prince Henry St
Clair Preceptory and Commandary
Scottish Knight Templars
Events
Diary
On Saturday
29th September 2007, Grand Prior Ian and Joan of Noss
Head flew out to Phoenix Arizona to meet up with Grand
Prior Mark and Grand Prioress Andrea Pinkham of the International
Organization of Gnostic Templars. along with their
Knights. After a sightseeing trip around Sedona, Grand
Prior Ian of Noss was escorted to the Library lecture
theatre where he gave a lecture on Rosslyn Chapel, the
Sinclair and Templar connection. The theatre was packed
with a mixed audience of all ages and all seats taken,
extra seats were brought in to accommodate the audience,
Ian thanked all the people for taking the time to come
along and support the organizers of the evening. Following
the 90 min lecture the GP conducted a questions and answer
session and it soon became apparent that the majority
of the people attending were very aware of Rosslyn Chapel
and it's environs unfortunately the library had a set
closing time which left a number of people with their
questions unanswered but GP Ian promised he would return
in the not to distant future to present a slide show and
lecture on the up to date work on Castle Sinclair-Girnigoe.
On Friday
the 5th October the I,O,G,T, members met at the Preceptory
for a special series of talks by individual members of
the order. Several very interesting presentations were
delivered and received by an appreciative audience. On
Saturday 6th at 10am GP Ian gave a lecture on the Sinclair-Girnigoe
connection with Rosslyn Castle. In the late afternoon
at 5-30pm Squire Alan Gutierrez received the Accolade
of Knighthood from Grand Priors Mark, Ian and Grand Prioress
Andrea. it was a very moving ceremony delivered with professionalism.
Sir Alan gave thanks to all who assisted in his ceremony
and looked forward to setting up the Gnostic web library.
Sunday
7th saw GP Ian busy with individual tutorials for nine
members of the order which was followed by a group visit
to one of the plateau's up in the mountains were the GP's
had discussions on current subjects that were of particular
importance to our joint orders, it was interesting to
note that as we talked we could see aeroplanes flying
about below us, it was at that point we realised just
how high we were on that plateau. Following our discussions
the members went off for a well deserved evening meal.
Tuesday 9th saw GP Ian and Joan fly off back to Scotland
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All visitors.
On Saturday evening 24th March 2007 the Preceptory met
to hear a lecture by freemason W.B. Tony St Clair-Turner
PAGDC on the Knight Templar- Masonic connection with Rosslyn
Chapel. In his lecture Tony made reference to many identifiable
clues in the carvings within and without the Chapel particularly
the carving first identified by Lomas and Knight on the
outside of the South wall which clearly showed a candidate
entering the order he went on to say that any researcher
who could not see the signs should cease advising others
because they do not have the qualities required to aid
in the process of unlocking the Rosslyn puzzle. Tony continued
with his Lecture by giving us a slide show of the inside
and outside of the Chapel and Castle. All Knights and
Squires thanked Tony for his excellent presentation and
requested him to return and present another one of his
lectures.
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On Friday
8th October the Prince Henry St Clair Preceptory and Commandary
welcomed all the visiting Templars and their guests, Knights
and Squires were introduced and entertained by Chevalier
Ian Sinclair Grand Prior of The Scottish Knight Templars.
A rehearsal
for the following day’s ceremony took place and all matters
concerning the Conclave were discussed and agreed by all
parties before departing for their evening meal in Wick.
Saturday
9th October opened with a very wet and windy start, but
soon brightened up. Following breakfast the Preceptory
and Commandary was made ready for the day’s events and
the Templar flag was raised. At 12-30pm the procession
made its way from the Clan Sinclair Study Centre to the
Preceptory, when all guests were accommodated the Grand
Prior officially welcomed all present and stated that
he hoped that they would have an interesting and enjoyable
day.
The Sword
was presented and the opening ceremony was performed by
the Grand Commander in true Templar Tradition, with all
due reverence and dignity, during which, there were readings
from the Scriptures and Salutations at the Knights Altar.
Next item
on the Order of Ceremony was the promotion of a Knight
to Knight Officer; this bestowal was performed in person
by the Grand Prior who congratulated the Officer on the
promotion and on the dedication shown to the new independent
Order.
Next in
the Order of Ceremony was the introduction of a new Squire
who came highly recommended by his Knight Proposer and
Knight Instructor. Following the ceremony the new Squire
was welcomed into the Order by all the members.
The ceremony
for the Bestowal of the Knights Accolade on Squire Shawn
Williamson took place next. All the officers performed
their duties with great pride and satisfaction because
they were aware that it was Squire Shawn who carved the
statue of Prince Henry St Clair, which stands proudly
outside the Clan Sinclair Study Centre, at Noss Head,
he also carved the Engrailed Cross plaques which stand
at the main gates of the drive.
After
receiving his Accolade, Chevalier Shawn Williamson KTpl.
was invited to take his rightful place joining the
Knights Circle.
The Preceptory
and Commandary Closing Ritual then took place in true
Templar Tradition, with all due reverence and dignity.
The Worthy
Grand Prior thanked everybody for their support then gave
a short speech explaining to all present what the objectives
of our new Order were, also he explained that the Masonic
& Templar Study group was operating successfully
despite some early doubts by a few researchers about a
clash of interests.
Our next
meeting will be at Rosslyn Chapel in mid December, all
interested parties should contact Ian at; 01955 606700
At 14-00hrs,
Saturday August 7th the Prince Henry St Clair Preceptory
and Commandary saw the installation of Chevalier Ian
Sinclair KGCTpl. into the rank of Worthy Grand Prior,
of the Scottish Knight Templars, Grand Priory of Scotland,
The ceremony was performed with dignity and according
to the ancient customs, by the three Principles, assisted
by Worthy Knights.
The Grand Prior
thanked the three Principles and their assistants for
the solemnity of the installation and the time and effort
they had put in, both in working the ritual and the
time Chevalier Rev. Anderson had spent travelling
up to Caithness.
He went
on to thank all the visitors for their support
and stated that with everybody's support the Order will
go from strength to strength and that the next
Conclave meeting was to be held on the 5th
of September to which everyone present was invited.
On Saturday
9th October the Preceptory and Commandary will be receiving
two new Squires, bestow a promotion to Knight Officer, and
bestow the Accolade of Knighthood on Chev. Shawn Williamson,
one of our staunch, long time committed Squires, who
through his skill and dedication created and donated
free of charge, the statue of Prince Henry St
Clair, which stands proudly in the grounds
of the Clan Sinclair Study Centre, at Noss Head.
We must also congratulate
Shawn on his recent marriage to Chev. Morgan McInnis,
a knowledgeable and well respected Knight of our Order,
and a member of the Prince Henry St Clair
Preceptory and Commandary, congratulations
to you both from all members of our Order.
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August 15th
saw the 65th birthday of Ian of Noss Head and many friends
including a party from Norway joined us and enjoyed
the barbeque until the late evening when the cake was
cut.
The cake incidentally
was won by Ian in a raffle at the Castle of Mey games,
when Ian was judging the heavy events. Following the
cake most people staggered off home, stagger being the
appropriate word.
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Saturday
10th July 2004 saw the first lecture in the new Preceptory
at Noss Head, the lecture which began at 7pm was entitled
"Templars, Past Present and Future" and
was delivered by the Preceptory Grand Commander Chevalier
Ian Sinclair. KGCTpl. assisted by Chevalier Royston William
Jones KGCTpl who had travelled up from Wales to be with
us. 26 people attended the lecture which was followed by
a questions and answer session. The meeting ended at 9.30pm
when the visitors were invited over to the Study Centre
for refreshments, and to view the great collection of information
housed in the Clan Sinclair Library. All the visitors thanked
Chev Ian and Royston for the excellent evening and requested
that lectures should be held every month where possible,
Chev Ian will look into the possibility. Donations to the
sum of £40-00 were received for charity and 5 application
forms for admittance as a Squire into the Order were requested.
Sunday the 11th July 2004
saw the Preceptory being made ready for the new Aspirants
who were to arrive on the following day. The Building itself
is the old stable block, built in 1850, of which the
central section has been very tastefully converted into the
new Prince Henry St Clair Preceptory and Commandary.
Although the Preceptory
was once used by Militi Templi Scotia, the present Order of
Scottish Knight Templars have now disassociated themselves
completely from M.T.S. and have established a close harmony
with other active, Templar Organizations, both in this country
and abroad.
The Raison D'etre of
the Order is to continue; To Serve God and Scotland,
and to work towards; acquiring, learning and sharing of Templar
knowledge and information.
Monday 12th
July 2004 saw
the day began at 8am with the arrival of 22 visitors at the
Clan Sinclair Study Centre, they were all made welcome by
the centre Archivist, Chev Ian Sinclair who
gave them a short talk on the history of the centre, the Sinclair's and
the nearby Sinclair-Girnigoe castle, the party were then taken
for a tour of the castle by Lord Berriedale, who explained
to them the work that was being undertaken by the Clan Sinclair
Trust, assisted by York University.
When the
visitors had left for the castle, preparations were made for
the Preceptory to receive its first ever visit from a Fisher
King and Fisher Queen, who were received with dignity and
honour by the Grand Commander.
A short ceremony
followed in which the blessings from the Preceptory and Commandary
of Prince Henry St Clair, were bestowed on the visitors.
Midday saw
the return of Lord Berriedale and the party from the castle
visit, every visitor personally thanked Berrie for a very
safe and sound return, and for sharing his knowledge and love
of the castle with them, and also his timing, for on his arrival
back at the centre they were just in time for a
super buffet which had been prepared and delivered by McKays
Hotel.
At 2pm all
Knights assembled in the Preceptory for a dress rehearsal
for the admission of Squires into the Preceptory, the Templar
flag is run up and flies proud above the Preceptory.
At 3-30pm
the pipers arrived and began tuning up,
At 3-45pm
all guests, Fraters, Aspirants and Knights assemble in the
centre courtyard, pipers march into courtyard and take their
place at the head of the procession.
At 4pm precisely
the pipers strike up and the procession slow marches to the
Preceptory with the sound of, Flower of
Scotland ringing in their ears.
On arrival
at the Preceptory all are in line and the pipers strike up
with Highland Cathedral.
All guests
are ushered in by the 1st Aide de-Camp and remain upstanding,
as the Knights enter and assemble themselves around the Knight's
Altar, all remain silent as the sound of the pipes drift away
in the distance, a very moving experience.
The Preceptory
was opened in true Templar tradition with all due reverence
and dignity by the Grand Commander, who welcomed all visitors
and Aspirants, both from this country and from overseas, he
apologised for the lack of space and seating, but explained
that this was the most people that we have housed in our Preceptory
and rather than turn anyone away it was worth a bit of a squash.
The twelve
Aspirant Squires were addressed by the Grand Commander who
explained the procedures for the day, which were; that the
Ceremony would be split into two identical parts, the first
part for six Squires, followed by the second part for six
Squires.
The Ceremony
having been completed and all new Squires having been Mantled
and appointed to the Shield and Banner of their Knight Instructor,
now retake their seats.
The Preceptory
is now closed in true Templar tradition, with all due
reverence and dignity, by the Grand Commander, who once again
thanked all for their attendance and support.
All visitors
are taken over to the Study Centre for refreshments whilst
all members of the Prince Henry St Clair Preceptory and Commandary
assemble for their first Grand Council Forum.
1st GRAND
COUNCIL FORUM
The names,
abode and Ranks of all present are recorded, a total
of 21 members. The business of the day was discussed and recorded
by the Acting Scribe.
The following positions were voted for and filled;
PRECEPTOR
MARSHAL
SWORD BEARER
1st AIDE
de-CAMP
2nd AIDE
de-CAMP
CLERIC
SCRIBE
After much
discussion it was decided unanimously that we appoint and
install our own Grand Prior for the Scottish Knight
Templars, the vote was taken and was unanimous in support
of Chev. Ian Sinclair KGCTpl. to take the post of Grand Prior
for the Scottish Knight Templars.
The installation
ceremony for the new GRAND PRIOR will take place in the very
near future after logistics had been worked out. Chev. Sinclair
thanked the members for the confidence they had shown in him
and stated that unlike some other Templar Orders, this Order
would not sit around waiting for somebody to switch on the
light and something to happen, it would be responsible for the
re-emergence of true Templar traditions, and ideals with common
sense Liturgies that are appropriate to the Order, he stated
that he had no doubt that we will encounter the sceptics and
the envious because we have done it in a different way, remember,
he said be bold, be vigilant, and have the belief that
you can achieve what you aim for if you have a belief
in yourself, thank you all for the start of a new era.
The members
stood and applauded Chev Sinclair
The 1st Grand
Council Forum was closed in true Templar tradition,
with all due reverence and dignity, by the Grand Commander,
Chev
John Norton KOTpl.
{Acting
Scribe}
